ENG-2005 — Page 439

Communications, the Media and Information Technology ▼ 381

Film Classification System

Hong Kong adopts a three-tier film classification system: Category | (suitable for all ages); Category II, which is subdivided into Category IIA (not suitable for children) and Category IIB (not suitable for young persons and children); and Category III (for persons aged 18 or above only). The objective is to allow adults wide access to films while protecting young people under the age of 18 from exposure to potentially harmful materials. Category IIA and IIB classifications are advisory (i.e. no statutory age restriction is imposed) and are intended to give more information to moviegoers, particularly parents, to help them select films for themselves or their children. The age restriction is mandatory for Category III films.

In 2005, 1 287 films were submitted for classification, compared with 1 295 in 2004. Of these, 554 were classified Category I, 359 Category IIA, 275 Category IIB, and 99 Category III. Film trailers, instructional films and cultural films intended for public exhibition can be exempted from classification. During the year, 5 088 such films were examined and exempted from classification.

Film classification standards are kept in line with society's expectations by regular surveys of community views and consultation with a statutory panel of advisers, comprising about 280 members drawn from different strata of the community.

The Board of Review (Film Censorship), a statutory body established under the Film Censorship Ordinance, is empowered to review the decisions on film classifications on request. The board comprises nine non-official members appointed by the Chief Executive, plus the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology as an ex officio member.

Postal Services

Established in 1841, Hongkong Post enjoys a proud heritage and a long history of serving Hong Kong. The progressive and dynamic postal organisation, which celebrating its 10th anniversary as a trading fund in 2005, is firmly entrenched locally and has a wide global reach.

Achievements and Accolades

Hongkong Post is committed to providing accessible, reliable and affordable postal services to the people of Hong Kong. It was rated highly in the 2005 independent public perception survey, with 96 per cent of the general public, 95 per cent of business customers and 97 per cent of philatelists indicating they were very satisfied or satisfied with its services. The survey ranked Hongkong Post in the top three among the major service organisations in Hong Kong for the seventh consecutive year.

Hongkong Post was highly commended in the Transformation Award in the 2005 World Mail Awards, the only major award event which seeks to recognise and honour outstanding performances of postal administrations worldwide.